N53cl 


L 


ft  viewer-  ^o  aw   a-pwea.1 


Cfje  Hifirarp 

of  t|>e 

Ontoersitp  of  Bottb  Carolina 


From  the  Library  of 


CP283.09    9 
N53cl 


AKSWEH    T0_A1T    APPEAL, 

FOE  BENEFIT  OF  THE  CHURCH. 


\  &y  Kntered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  ye:ir  1871,  by  "  The  Juvenile  Sewing 
4oeietv  of  Christ's  Church,  Xcwbern,  N.  C,"  in  the  office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congre-is, 
t  Washington. 


ANSWER  TO   AN   APPEAL, 
FOR  BENEFIT  OF  THE  CHURCH, 


LOVINGLY      INSCRIBED 


TO    A 


BY 


Esclairmond  Claremont. 
North    Carolina,    Jan.    29th,    1871. 


NEWBEKN,  N.  0.  i 

N.  ».  SIOHAEDSON,    PBACTICAL  BOOK,    CABD   AND   XOB   PBIXTEB. 

1871, 


" 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2013 


http://archive.org/details/answertoappealfoOOclar 


Introduction . 


On  Sunday  evening,  January  8th,  1871,  at  Christ  Church, 
Newbern,  N.  C. ,  the  venerable  rector  had  closed  his  sermon, 
announced  the  183rd  Hymn,  and  as  the  choir  was  singing,  a 
terrific  storm  of  wind  passed  over  the  city,  the  windows  of 
the  Church  rattled  violently,  and  the  howling  of  the  tempest 
created  some  confusion  in  the  usually  attentive  congregation; 
but  just  at  this  moment  the  excitement  was  rendered  intense 
by  the  cry  of  "  Fire  !  "  and  the  ringing  of  the  Fire  Bell.- — 
Every  one  was  alarmed  for  the  safety  of  their  homes,  and 
many  for  the  safety  of  little  ones  left  qiiietly  asleep,  while 
they  had  gone  to  join  in  the  worship  of  God,  in  His  Holy 
Temple. 

Many  of  the  congregation  rushed  hurriedly  to  the  street,  to 
ascertain  the  locality  of  the  fire.  But  a  faithful  few  remained 
to  receive  that  benediction  which  had  been  so  often  pro- 
nounced within  those  sacred  walls,  but  alas,  was  now  to  be 
pronounced  for  the  last  time. 

The  alarm  proceeded  from  a  burning  chimney,  and  the  cry 
"  It  is  out,"  soon  quieted  all  fears. 

On  Tuesday  evening,  January  10th,  1871,  the  alarm  of  fir* 
was  again  sounded,  and  this  time  proceeded  from  some  out- 
houses immediately  opposite  the  Church,  which  soon  com- 
municated to  the  front  buildings,  and  finally  crossed  to  th» 
Church  and  reduced  it  to  ashes. 

A  sad  calamity  for  the  congregation  of  Christ  Church.  In- 
deed, it  was  a  time  when  "  those  who  had  but  tears  to  give, 
did  not  shed  those  tears  alone." 


4  INTRODUCTION. 

A  congregation  that  had  just  re-assembled  after  the  disper-- 
sion  caused  by  the  war,  had  just  set  in  motion  some  of  the 
most  important  Parochial  works — a  charity  and  day  school — 
Relief  Society,  &c,  and  Were  giving  as  liberally  of  their 
scanty  means  as  they  well  could,  were  suddenly  thrown  with- 
out a  Hou3e  of  Worship.  Many  acts  of  kindness  might  be 
here  recorded,  but  we  will  name  but  one,  that  only  as  an  ex- 
ample of  Christian  kindness,  worthy  to  be  read  of  all  men  : 

The  Pastor  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  informed  the  Rec- 
tor that  his  Board  of  Trustees  would  offer  his  afflicted  con- 
gregation the  use  of  their  Church  once,  a  Siinday  until  they 
could  make  other  arrangements,  which  promise  was  fully  re- 
deemed, and  the  kind  offer  accepted,  with  grateful  thanks  by 
the  Vestry. 

Of  course,  the  all-absorbing  thought  was  how  to  re-build 
the  Church. 

The  Vestry  met,  and  while  the  smoke  was  still  rising  from 
the  smoiildering  ruins,  put  forth  the  "Appeal,"  which 
brought  forth  the  little  work  hereto  appended. 

Among  the  congregation,  no  one  seemed  to  feel  the  loss 
greater  than  the  children.  Their  desire  to  do  something  to- 
wards this  much  desired  object,  became  almost  a  mania. 

At  this  time  a  Christian-hearted  ladyV*who  had  not  the 
means  to  do  what  she  wished  towards  this  holy  work,  con- 
ceived the  idea  of  forming  these  zealous  little  ones  into  a 
Sewing  Society,  thereby  accomplishing  at  the  same  time  two 
laudable  objects,  viz  :  Imparting  to  them  valuable  knowledge 
in  sewing,  knitting,  &c,  and  aiding  in  re-building  the 
Church. 

The  proposition  was  made  to  them  and  readily  accepted, 
and  forthwith,   The  Juvenile  Sewing  Society  of  Christ  Church, 


IttTROtmcTlOtf.  5 

was  formed  under  the  direction  of  the  lady  making  the  sug- 
gestion.    The  oldest  child  was  13,  and  the  youngest  5  years. 

These  little  lambs  of  the  Great  Shepherd,  devoted  them- 
selves to  his  service  with  a  zeal  and  unity  of  action  and 
thought,  that  might  be  most  profitably  followed  as  an  exam- 
ple, by  the  older  members  of  His  Church. 

Space  will  not  admit  of  a  recital  of  all  the  good  works  of 
these  little  Soldiers  of  the  Cross,  but  general  results  must 
suffice. 

They  have  subscribed  one  hundred  dollars  to  the  building 
of  the  Church,  and  have  paid  it.  They  have  contracted  to  put 
in  the  Chancel  window,  at  an  expense  of  $350,  and  have 
over  half  that  amount  in  Bank.  But  alas,  the  work  on  the 
Church  has  stojaped,  the  Treasury  being  exhausted,  and  they 
now  appropriate  all  their  means  to  the  Building  Committee* 
trusting  that  through  the  blessings  of  that  God  who  "  doeth 
all  things  well,"  they  may  accumulate  enough  to  meet  the  ex- 
pense of  the  window,  when  the  building  is  in  a  condition  to 
receive  it. 

In  the  interest  of  the  Juvenile  Sewing  Society  this  is  pub- 
lished, and  to  the  above  object  the  proceeds  of  its  sale  will  be 
applied. 


[Prom  the  Churchman,  January  28th,  1871.] 

APPEAL. 

To  the  members  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Cliurch 

throughout  the  United  States : 

"  Dear  Brethren  :  A  great  calamity  lias  befallen 
us.  Our  beautiful  Cliurch  edifice,  which  has  so 
long  been  the  pride  of  our  people  and  an  ornament 
to  our  city,  was,  on  the  night  of  the  10th  inst.,  de- 
stroyed by  fire.  • 

A  new  Church  must  be  erected;  the  cause  of 
Christ  and  the  necessity  for  a  place  of  worship  for 
our  large  and  zealous  congregation,  both  demand 
it.  We  are  poor,  very  poor,  but  will  do  what  we  can 
for  ourselves.  That,  however,  will  not  even  ap- 
proximately reach  what  is  rccpiired  for  the  purpose. 
To  you,  therefore,  dear  brethren,  who  feel  an  inter- 
est in  the  welfare  and  prosperity  of  the  Church,  and 
who  must  necessarily  sympathize  with  us  in  our 
great  loss  and  bereavement,  we  appeal  for  aid. — 
Give  us  what  you  conscientiously  can,  and  the  ap- 
proval of  a  good  conscience,  and  the  thanks  of  a 
grateful  people  will  be  your  reward. 

Very,  respectfully,  and  truly  yours, 

E.  M.  FORBES,  Rector. 
•J°H£  Hughes,       \  Committee  Vestry  of  Christ  Church, 

F      C,    RoBEKTS,        V        N  N   l 

Wm.  H.  Oliver,    )  ' 


ANSWER    TO    AN    "APPEAL." 

On  a  cold  winter  morning  in  the  year  1844,  the 
•door  opened,  and  one  who  studied  to  please,  and 
loved  to  bear  good  tidings  to  his  wife,  entered  her 
sitting-room  and  thus  addressed  her : 

Well,  Dear,  I  have  seen  the  new  minister,  he  will 
eall  on  you  to-morrow,  and  our  fine  boy  shall  be  the 
first  presented  for  baptism. 

"The  Temple  of  God  had  for  weeks  been  closed, 
and  those  only  who  have  been  deprived  of  Church 
priviliges,  (closely  allied  to  every  desire  of  their 
heart.)  can  estimate  the  value  of  such  welcome 
news.  The  morrow  came,  and  with  it  the  prom- 
ised call.  (Just  here,  the  reader  must  have  a  de- 
scription of  the  minister's  appearance  as  he  entered 
the  room,  where  on  a  tiny  little  cot  the  babe  was 
asleep  by  its  mother.) 

This,  my  Dear,  said  Mr.  E.,  is  the  Eev.  Mr.  R, 
we  have  traced  from  Alabama  to  New  York,  to  se- 
cure him  as  our  Pastor  in  Christ  Church.  In 
walked  the  little  minister,  who  would  scarcely  bal- 
ance a  hundred  pound  weight,  extending  his  hand, 
and  pointing  to  the  "  the  tiny  little  cot,"  laughingly 
said,  I  see,  madam,  that  you  have  work  for  me  to 
do,  and  I  assure  you,  it  is  a  great  pleasure,  not  only 
to  receive,  but  train  these  little  ones  in  the  Church 


8  ANSWER     TO     AX     APPEAL. 

of  Christ.     Words  uttered  with  meaning  and  ex- 
pressed by  acts. 

In  ran  the  oldest  boy.  Mamma,  mamma,  George- 
said  dis  little  man  is  de  Minister,  and  he  no  bigger 
dan  him.  Merry  rang  the  laugh  of  Mr.  F.,  who 
knew  he  stood  about  five  feet  in  his  boots.  You 
not  like  Mr.  Morse,  Mr.  Minister,  continued  the 
boy,  he  was  taller  than  papa,  and  you  will  hab  to 
tip-toe  when  you  preaches  to  us  chilluns.  Never 
mind,  my  boy,  said  Mr.  F.,  as  he  picked  up  the  fair 
skin  daughter,  with  long  golden  curls,  to  give  her 
a  kiss.  I  will  show  you  I  don't  have  to  tip-toe 
when  we  alter  the  Pulpit,  and  I  must  make  a  Min- 
ister of  you,  and  a  pet  of  this  sweet  sister.  (And  a 
pet  she  was,  though  snatched  away  in  perfect  health 
at  the  age  of  five  years,  from  swallowing  a  broken 
nut  shell ;  yet  from  her  lips,  words  flowed  as  if  by 
inspiration  to  all  around  her  death  bed,  and  with 
her  latest  breath  she  thanked  her  dear  Minister  for 
teaching  her  in  Sunday  School,  and  begged  him  to 
tell  all  the  little  girls  to  meet  her  in  heaven.) — 
During  his  call,  Mr.  F.  remarked  to  Mr.  E.,  I  have 
refused  several  calls  to  accept  this  in  my  native 
State,  and  if  the  congregation  is  as  you  have  repre- 
sented, as  Secretary  of  the  Vestry,  the  Church  seems 
too  small,  and  we  must  enlarge  it  and  have  galleries 


A5TSWEE      TO     AH      APPEAL.  9> 

for  the  colored!  population,  saying,  they  should  have 
an  appropriate  place  in  the  Church  and  taught  their 
duty  tojGrod.  Apart  from  the  needful  care  of  their 
souls,  that  is  the  only  way  we  can  expect  them  to 
discharge  their  duties  faithfully,  and  after  morning 
and  afternoon  service  for  the  white  congregation,  I 
intend  devoting  the  evening  to  their  instruction. — 
This  was  faithfully  carried  out,  and  so  great  was 
their  confidence  in  him,  that  gardeners,  among  the 
colored  congregation,  have  been  known  to  go  and 
request  his  prayers  for  rain,  believing  he  had  but  to 
ask  and  it  was  sent. 

Then  George  shall  come  to  de  Church,  for  he 
beats  de  drum  all  the  week  for  me  to  march  wid 
mine  solder  clothes  on,  said  the  eldest  boy.  This 
drew  another  laugh  from  the  little  five  foot  Minis- 
ter, as  he  arose  to  leave,  saying,  I  will  accept  your 
invitation  to  dine  with  you  on  Thursday,  madam ; 
and  you,  my  fine  boy,  must  put  on  your  soldier 
clothes,  and  let  George  beat  the  drum  for  me. 

Five  years  after,  the  Minister  had  charge  of  the 
Parish.  In  another  call  on  Mrs.  E.,  with  her  third 
son,  she  urged  him  take  her  oldest  boy  under  his 
special  training,  and  teach  him  one  hour  every  day, 
offering  to  compensate  him  handsomely  for  his 
trouble.     At  her  earnest  solicitation  he  consented, 


10  AXSWEK      TO      AN"      APPEAL. 

and- daily  taught  him  in  his  little  Vestry  room. — 
Seeing  how  easily  he  managed  one,  he  was  persua- 
ded to  take  a  friend's  son  for  a  companion.. 

His  duties  as  a  Pastor  over  a  long  neglected  flock 
were  faithfully  performed,  the  Church  was  en- 
larged to  suit  his  plan,  and  daily  the  hell  tolled 
morning  and  evening  for  a  few  devout  worshippers 
to  return  thanks  to  their  heavenly  Father,  for  the 
many  blessings  vouchsafed  to  them. 

These  two  little  boys,  with  their  satchels,  were 
faithful  to  the  call  of  the  bell.  Time  wore  on,  and 
with  it  a  deep  interest  in  his  pupils  welfare. 

Passing  down  the  Main  street  one  afternoon,  he 
espied  a  boy  playing  in  the  gutter,  with  a  bright, 
intelligent  face.  Looking  up  to  him,  the  boy  said, 
Mr.  P.,  I  wants  to  go  to  your  school  wid  de  toder 
boys,  'case  I  aint  got  nobody  to  play  wid.  Very 
well,  sir,  said  Mr.  P.,  fix  yourself  up  and  come.  No 
sir,  said  the  boy,  I  can't  go,  'case  mudder  aint  got 
no  money.  Yes  you  can,  sir.  Tell  her  I'll  teach 
you,  and  if  she  has  no  money,  to  let  me  have  Wes- 
ley's Sermons  that  I  hear  she  has. 

With  delight  the  little  chap  flew  to  his  mother 
bearing  Mr.  F's  message,  and  the  next  day  the  third 
scholar  was  seated  in  the  Vestry  Soom.  Finding 
twelve  months  hence,  ten  scholars  would  not  occu- 


AXSWER      TO      AN      APPEAL.  11 

py  any  more  time  than  three,  he  was  induced  to 
take  an  office  and  teach  the  ten. 

Mrs.  E.  had  long  been  the  President  of  a  Scrap 
Society,  and  always  ready  to  prepare  a  Feast  or 
Fair  for  the  benefit  of  the  Church  she  loved  so  well ; 
and  long  will  the  meetings  at  night  in  her  hospita- 
ble parlor  be  remembered  by  the  members  of  Scrap 
Society. 

Meeting  a  gentleman  of  wealth  in  one  of  her 
evening  promenades  near  the  office  where  Mr.  F. 
was  teaching,  she  remarked  to  him,  Mr.  F.  should 
have  a  larger  room,  and  she  had  a  plan  for  his  con- 
sideration. 

What,  madam,  can  it  be  ?  was  his  reply. 

Simply  sir,  said  she,  to  build  a  school  room  back 
of  the  Church  out  of  your  ward's  money  you  put 
out  on  interest,  and  purchase  the  adjoining  lot,  se- 
curing the  property  to  her  until  the  debt  is  paid, 
and  then  let  it  belong  to  the  Church. 

How  do  you  propose  to  pay  for  it,  madam  ?  said 
he.  -  # 

By  Fairs  and  Feasts. 

Very  well,  said  he,  1  will  do  it. 
.    The  next  mail  carried  proposals  to  Baltimore  for 
the  lot,  and  the  next  week  it  was  secured;  and  tim- 
bers were  hauled  for  the  foundation   of  E.   City 


12  ANSWER     TO      AX      APPEAL. 

Parochial  School  room,  and  two  months  after,  one 
Fair  secured  it  as  the  property  of  Christ  Church. 

Never  was  there  more  delight  pictured  upon  the 
face  than  the  little  Minister  displayed  when  thirty 
scholars  rushed  to  the  new  school  room  to  select 
their  seats.  Boys  on  one  side  and  girls  on  the 
other,  their  satchels  were  deposited,  and  with  eager- 
ness they  responded  to  the  call  of  the  hell  for  Morn- 
ing Prayer  in  the  Church  with  their  assembled 
parents,  and  his  thanks  were  offered  up  with  a 
solemnity  that  sank  deep  in  every  heart.  Near  to 
his  heart  were  the  children  of  the  Parish,  and  the 
prosperity  of  the  Church  was  the  foremost  thought 
in  his  mind.  For  miles  would  this  good  man  scour 
the  country  to  search  up  the  poor  and  inquire  into 
their  necessities,  and  out  of  a  small  income  their 
wants  woiild  be  relieved  to  the  extent  of  his  ability. 
Many  a  poor  shoeless  child  has  been  sent  to  the 
merchant  to  fit  a  shoe  at  his  expense,  while  the 
mother  had  meat  and  bread,  provided  from  his  gen- 
erous hand.  * 

His  school  increased  to  such  an  extent,  an  assist- 
ant had  to  be  employed.  From  North,  South,  East 
and  West,  applications  were  made  and  scholars  ac- 
cepted. With  hammer  and  nails  in  hand,  additions 
were  made  to  the  cozy  little  Vestry  Room  to  accom- 


ANSWER      TO      AN      APPEAL.  IB 

modate  children  of  his  friends,  sent  to  be  under  his 
constant  training,  sharing  the  bachelor's  comforts 
gathered  around  him. 

Another  Fair  was  held  to  add  an  upper  story  for 
the  Female  Department,  with  equal  success.  Stu- 
dents were  placed  under  him  for  the  Ministry,  and 
with  ease  and  earnest  zeal  he  accomplished  every 
task  assigned  him.  Prompt  in  action,  faithful  to 
duty,  untiring  he  pressed  on  in  his  Master's  work, 
never  letting  snow  or  rain,  hail  or  sleet,  keep  him 
from  his  post,  carefully  guarding  the  flock  intrusted 
to  his  care,  and  admonishing  them  to  pursue  Wis- 
dom's ways.  No  dissenting  voice  relaxed  his  ener- 
gy— onward  the  Church  must  go,  regardless  of  the 
unbelievers  or  men  of  different  persuasions — and 
onward  it  did  go  with  increased  forces,  for  many 
years. 

The  Old  Church,  Dear  Old  Church,  where  parent 
and  child  had  been  dedicated  to  God,  could  not  ac- 
commodate the  additional  number,  and  a  larger 
must  be  built.  With  a  generosity  unparalleled  in 
our  country,  thousands  were  given  by  members  that 
had  been  brought  to  Christ  by  his  instrumentality, 
who  had  not  before  given  their  souls  salvation  a 
single  thought. 

The  Scrap  Society  held  Fairs,  and  soon  a  hand- 


14  ANSWER      TO      AN      APPEAL. 

some  Gothic  Church,  with  stained  glass  and  memo- 
rial windows,  was  erected  to  supply  the  additional 
pews,  for  an  increasing  congregation.  The  old 
organ  was  exchanged  by  an  active,  honored  citizen, 
for  one  whose  peals  would  resound  ^through  the 
arched  ceiling  in  tones  that  penetrated  the  inmost 
recesses  of  the  heart,  as  the  skillful  hand  of  his 
grandchild  glided  softly  over  its  keys.  Chandeliers 
were  hung,  carpets  laid,  pews  cushioned,  and  every 
requisite  for  the  adorning  of  God's  Temple,  and 
comfort  for  the  hearers  of  his  word,  were  added. 

The  Old  Church  was  converted  into  a  Chapel  for 
daily  service,  where  morning  and  evening  prayer 
was  ever  held,  and  long  may  its  dear  walls  stand  as 
a  memento  to  the  cherished  dead,  who  worshipped 
at  its  shrine.  There  the  maiden  prayer  was  offered 
up,  and  well  do  I  remember  the  last  scene  of  a 
maiden's  life.  Sweet  Pattie,  only  sixteen  to  a  day, 
lingered  long  around  that  dear  old  altar.  The 
painter  never  pictured  a  fairer  beauty.  Her  golden 
hair,  her  hazel  eye,  and  rosy  cheek  with  its  smiling 
dimples,  attracted  the  attention,  as  the  amiable  ex- 
pression from  the  influence  of  a  smile,  greeted  her 
friends. 

Fearful  disease  was  marking  that  lovely  form. — 
The  idolizing  mother  prepared  her  to  leave  for  a 


ANSWER      TO      AJT      APFEAL.  15 

healthier  clime,  and  friends  waited,  ajownd  the  old 
Church  door  to  bid  her  farewell.  As  she  left  the 
aisle  she  burst  in  tears  and  exclaimed,  Dear,  dear 
old  Church,  how  I  hate  to  leave  you.  Farewell,, 
farewell,  dear  altar,  and  the  old  pew  I  love  so  well ; 
it  almost  breaks  my  heart  to  go  from  you. 

With  a  kiss,  I  said,  farewell,  Pattie  ;  make  haste 
back  with  renewed  health,  for  we  cannot  spare  you 
long. 

The  next  day  at  noon,  a  servant  came  for  me, 
saying  Pattie  was  very  ill.  I  rushed  to  the  house," 
and  found  weeping  and  lamentation. 

Oh,  my  friend,  exclaimed  her  agonized  mother, 
your  dream,  your  dream, — my  child  is  dying,  and 
•your  dream  has  come  to  pass ;  go  to  her  and  stand 
around  her  dying  bed  and  leave  her  not,  for  I  know 
you  will  do  all  things  well. 

Dear  friend,  you  have  passed  away,  and  far  away 
in  the  frigid  North,  your  ashes  await  the  resurrec- 
tion morn  ;  but  that  scene  is  as  clearly  depicted  to 
my  mind  as  though  it  were  but  yesterday. 

With  the  heroic  patience  of  a  Christian  warrior 
you  waited  to  hear  the  sad  tidings,  and  then  witli 
David  exclaimed,  "  The  Lord  gave  and  the  Lord 
hath  taken  away;  Blessed  be  the  name  of  the 
Lord." 


16  ANSWER      TO      AN      APPEAL. 

Pattie  had  gone  to  a  healthier  clime,  with  angels 
she  was  singing  around  God's  throne.  Strength, 
with  a  new  life,  had  been  given,  and  the  maiden's 
prayer  wafted  her  soul  to  heaven. 

As  I  shrouded  her  who  bound  all  to  her,  by  her 
lovliness  and  Christian  life,  I  placed  the  white 
"violet  and  hyacinth,  fresh  from  the  green  earth, 
around  her  marble  form  as  an  emblem  of  the  life 
that  had  passed  away,  and  turning  to  the  dear  Min- 
ister who  had  guided  her  footsteps,  bade  him  not  to 
weep,  but  rejoice  with  exceeding  great  joy,  over 
another  angel  around  God's  throne,  from  his  Church 
he  so  zealously  watched  over. 

Oh,  for  a  pen  of  fire,  to  transmit  to  future  ages 
the  deeds  of  that  servant  of  God !  May  his  example 
be  emulated,  his  zeal  made  known  to  every  Parish 
Priest,  until  they  exclaim, — I  will  labor  with  his 
energy,  prosecute  every  plan  for  the  advancement  of 
God's  kingdom,  with  the  untiring  spirit  of  Mr.  F- 
He  shall  know  the  influence  of  his  true  devotion  by 
my  walk  and  conversation.  The  high  ways  and 
bye  ways  shall  be  searched  to  bring  the  poor,  Christ's 
poor,  within  the  pale  of  salvation  ;  and  when  I  am 
numbered  with  the  dead,  let  me  be  called  his  worthy 
successor,  and  I  will  be  content. 

Years  rolled  on  in  the  town  of  E.,  and  united  as 


ANSWER      TO      AN      APPEAL.  17 

a  band  of  brethren  should  be,  toiled  on,  our  Minis- 
ter and  people.  Ministers  were  added  to  the  Church 
from  the  Parochial  School.,  that  now  fill  pulpits  in 
different  parts  of  our  country.  Young  men  pre- 
pared for  every  branch  of  industry,  admitted  to  the 
bar,  and  adorning  every  profession  of  life,  and  still 
this  good  man  is  spared  and  actively  engaged  in  his 
Master's  work. 

The  sound  of  war  fell  heavily  on  his  ear,  but  no 
threatened  danger  moved  him  from  his  post.  As  a 
faithful  sentinel  he  kept  watch,  and  met  the  foe, 
clad  in  the  panoply  of  God.  Together,  friend  and 
foe  worshipped  in  his  Church,  and  as  a  Christian 
warrior  did  he  seek  peace  and  ensue  it. 

From  his  side  were  torn  youths  he  had  drilled  for 
his  Master's  service.  They  were  placed  in  the 
tented  field,  to  battle  with  a  steel-clad  warrior — 
were  mutilated,  and  met  a  soldier's  fate ;  but  never 
faltered  from  what  they  believed  to  be  their  duty. 
Faithfulness  had  been  instilled  in  their  minds,  and 
honesty  with  truth,  supported  it  in  every  relation 
in  life. 

Driven  by  fright  from  a  happy  and  comfortable 
home,  I  urged  him  to  go  with  me.  No,  he  ex- 
claimed, I  cannot  leave  my  Church.  I  must  stay, 
and  if  needs  be  die,  defending-  it. 


18  ANSWER      TO      AN      APPEAL. 

Then,  farewell,  I  cried.  Promise  me,  if  my  child 
is  killed,  you  will  endeavor  to  get  his  body  and 
bury  it  by  his  honored  father. 

Yes,  I  will  use  every  effort,  said  this  good  man  as 
he  promised  to  get  the  body  of  my  child,  his  first 
pupil  in  his  Parochial  School. 

The  father  and  little  daughter  had  been  laid  in 
the  cold  ground,  and  the  boy  that  called  him  no 
larger  than  his  nurse  George,  was  now  in  man- 
hood's years,  showing  in  every  stage  of  life  the  ef- 
fect of  Mr.  F's  teaching,  and  to  his  praise  I  grate- 
fully pen  this  true  record. 

Pass  it  not  by,  ye  Ministers  in  the  vineyard  of 
the  Lord.  Let  it  stimulate  you  to  build  up  the 
Church  with  Parochial  Schools,  and  hesitate  not  in 
discharge  of  any  duty  to  promote  its  growth  and 
welfare. 

Bring  the  unbeliever  to  hear  the  truths  ex- 
pounded from  the  blessed  Word  of  Cfod.  Move  his 
hardened  heart  by  sweet  chords  of  harmonious 
sound,  as  the  voice  of  the  Church  chants  her 
praises  or  sings  loud  hallelujahs  to  the  Lamb  of 
God.  Draw  him  to  that  Lamb  who  was  sacrificed 
for  us  by  fervent,  earnest  prayer,  beseeching  him  to 
turn  from  the  ways  of  sin  and  death,  and  in  the 


AKSAVEE      TO      AN      APPEAL.  19 

arms  of  a  reconciled  father,  experience  that  love 
•'  none  but  those  who  feel  it  know."  Tell  him 
Christ  was  sacrificed  for  all,  and  at  the  right  hand 
of  God  is  atoning  for  his  sins,  if  he,  with  a  hearty 
repentance  is  imploring  forgiveness,  and  His  par- 
don gives  a  peace  the  world  cannot  understand. — 
Exhort  the  timid  to  venture,  who  fear  they  are  not 
good  enough  to  accept  the  terms  in  which  they  be- 
lieve. Show  them  the  Church  of  God  is  an  "  Es- 
tablished Hospital "  for  the  cure  of  sick  and 
wounded  souls.  "Jesus  came  not  to  call  the 
righteous,  but  sinners  to  repentance,"  enlist  them  in 
His  army  by  the  oath  of  allegiance,  and  urge  them 
to  be  faithful  soldiers  of  the  cross,  and  see  that  they 
fight  manfully  under  the  Banner  which  they  have 
chosen,  turning  not  back,  "  but  pressing  forward  to 
the  mark,  the  prize  of  high  calling  in  Christ  Jesus." 
No  commanding  officer  selects  healthy,  robust  sol- 
diers for  the  Hospital,  he  keeps  them  in  their  rank, 
and  sees  that  they  obey  his  orders ;  but  the  infirm, 
the  sick  and  wounded,  be  places  in  the  Hospital  to 
be  tenderly  nursed  until  again  fitted  for  his  service. 
So  the  Church  of  Christ  opens  wide  her  doors  to 
receive  sick  and  wounded  souls  to  be  tenderly  cared 
for  by  "  the  Great  Physician,"  whose  proffer  of  par- 
don produces  a  conviction  of  justice  and  mercy  in 


20  ANSWER      TO      AN      APPEAL. 

the  minds  of  all  that  accept  it,  and  pours  a  healing 
balm  in  their  souls  from  the  wealth  of  His  love. 

llesitate  not  to  lay  bare  the  truth  as  that  faithful 
man  of  God  has  so  nobly  done  for  thirty  odd  years, 
and  Christ's  sustaining  arm  will  be  your  shield  from 
every  danger.  Seek  out  those  who  have  departed 
from  virtue's  way,  and  bring  them  in  the  path  of 
rectitude,  though  the  world  may  scoff  and  sneer 
at  your  undertaking.  He  heeded  it  not,  but  obeyed 
the  command  of  his  Master,  who  bid  him  "goto 
the  lost  sheep  and  preach  the  kingdom  of  heaven," 
exhorting  them  to  forsake  their  evil  ways,  and  come 
to  Him  who  alone  could  "  cleanse  them  from  their 
leprosy,"  and  by  faith  "  make  them  whole."  Gently 
did  he  take  their  little  ones  and  train  them  to  lead 
upright  lives,  and  kneel  side  by  side  around  that 
dear  old  altar,  with  the  mother  who  so  faithfully 
atoned  for  her  crime  in  penitence  and  tears,  and  af- 
terwards united  in  holy  wedlock  the  child  that 
might  have  been  lost,  had  he  not  snatched  her  as  a 
brand  from  the  burning.  These  are  indisputable 
facts,  known  on  earth  and  registered  in  heaven. 

Tiie  loss  of  home,  every  fond  association,  the  tie 
that  bound  me  to  numerous  friends  with  every 
comfort  by  which  I  was  surrounded,  brought  sad, 
unmistakable  grief,  but  the  loss  of  Godly  counsel 


ANSWER      TO      AN      APPEAL.  21 

that  flowed  so  pure  and  freely  from  his  mind,  with 
the  happy  communion  around  that  dear  old  altar, 
brings  grief  too  poignant  to  dwell  upon.  Father 
and  mother,  sister  and  brother,  parent  and  child, 
were  there  dedicated  to  God,  and  received  the 
Apostolic  rite  of  confirmation.  There  too,  him  who 
traced  this  faithful  priest  from  Alabama  to  New 
York,  was  washed  in  the  laver  of  regeneration,  rati- 
fying it  in  confirmation,  and  strengthened  his  soul 
in  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ.  Oh,  happy  day, 
that  stayed  his  choice;  happy,  happy  hour,  as  we 
worshipped  "  one  in  spirit."  Dwell  not  my  feeble 
pen  upon  the  past,  revive  not  what  can  never  be  re- 
called, but  flow  with  ease  in  writing  this  message  to 
his  brothers  in  the  flesh.  Discharge  your  duty  to 
your  God,  your  neighbor  and  all  mankind  while  it 
is  yet  day,  "  for  the  night  cometh  in  which  no  man 
can  work."  Be  vigilant,  be  sober,  for  the  "Devil  as 
a  roaring  lion,  is  going  about  seeking  whom  he  may 
devour."  War,  devastative  war,  sweeping  as  a 
whirlwind  all  within  its  path,  wrought  changes  in 
our  little  town,  and  rent  asunder  friends  of  earlier 
years.  The  aspiring  youths  rushed  to  the  battlefield 
regardless  of  the  attractions  of  home.  Parents  fol- 
lowed to  be  near  should  the  shaft  of  death  overtake 
them,  and  desolation  with  ruin  stamped  its  seal  on 


22  ANSWER      TO      AN      APPEAL. 

every  feature.  Still  manfully  did  our  good  priest 
combat  with  every  disaster.  White  and  colored 
sought  his  advice  and  respected  his  word ;  regularly 
the  old  bell  tolled  for  morning  and  evening  prayer, 
reminding  friend  and  foe  of  their  "  one  common 
duty,"  giving  to  God  that  portion  of  their  time  set 
apart  for  His  service.  Alone  he  labored,  and  pa- 
tiently waited  for  the  crown  of  the  victor ;  and  on 
his  brow  it  has  been  placed,  for  no  where  could  be 
found  one  to  soften  animosity  "  amid  the  war  of 
opinion  and  tempest  of  passion,"  (the  natural  con- 
sequence of  civil  war,)  as  this  man  who  rested  alone 
on  the  "  Kock  of  God's  truth."  Firm  he  stood  upon 
this  Eock  and  exhorted  all  races  to  "  stand  fast " 
and  let  their  "  example  of  constancy  "  rise  up  as  a 
beacon  amid  the  conflicts  of  the  past. 

In  the  troubles  and  perils,  he  was  selected  by  the 
Chief  Shepherd  to  go  where  the  mixed  flock  were 
more  numerous,  (his  own  native  town.)  Though 
beaten  upon  by  the  tempest  of  Avar,  he  faltered  not, 
but  severed  every  tie  that  bound  him  to  The  Dear 
Old  Church,  with  his  bachelor's  charters  for  twenty 
years,  and  built  up  the  Church  at  home  beyond  the 
highest  expectations  of  its  citizens;  establishing, 
schools  and  ameliorating  dissensions  that  must  have 
ended  in  strife,  but  for  his  timely  warning. 


ANSWER      TO      AN      APPEAL.  23 

To  the  Kock  of  Ages,  the  weary,  thirsty  wander- 
ing souls  were  invited  to  come  and  aid  in  advanc- 
ing the  kingdom  of  Christ.  Every  resource  of  in- 
dustry was  opened  to  those  who  were  thrown  help- 
less by  the  war.  Lofty  hymns  of  praise  arose  from 
Churches  prepared  for  their  special  use,  and  Minis- 
ters were  placed  over  them  teaching  them  to  come 
to  Christ,  a  hiding  place  from  the  wind  and  covert 
from  the  tempest  until  under  the  shadow  of  the 
Great  Eock,  the  cooling  spring  of  water  flowed  to 
slake  their  thirst,  and  peace  with  good  will  restored 
unity  and  christian  love. 

Now,  beloved  brethren,  in  the  midst  of  toil  and 
afflictions  through  which  this  faithful  man  of  God 
has  passed,  fire  has  laid  low  his  house  of  prayer,  and 
he  appeals  for  help  to  build,  on  the  old  foundation, 
a  suitable  Temple  to  the  Living  God,  My  means 
will  not  justify  a  response  suitable  to  his  call,  and  I 
use  my  only  resource  to  carry  out  the  dictates  of  my 
heart.  Eead  my  true  sketch,  though  faintly  drawn, 
of  one  who  was  never  idle,  never  weary  of  doing  His 
Master's  work,  and  recommend  it  to  your  neighbor 
as  an  example  worthy  of  imitation.  Tell  the  young 
man  he  learned  languages,  explored  libraries,  and 
was  familiar  with  different  departments  of  science, 
laboring  imweariedly  for  the  good  of  others.    No 


24.  ANSWER      TO      AN      APPEAL. 

selfish  motive  urged  him  on,  in  discharging  his 
duty ;  barely  receiving  a  salary  to  provide  the  neces- 
saries of  life,  he  murmured  not,  but  with  the  stimu- 
lous  of  intellectual  cultivation,  added  a  charm  to 
his  home  that  drew  around  his  fireside  ambitious 
youth,  and  from  his  store  of  literature  and  refine- 
ment of  taste,  they  gathered  gems  of  more  value 
than  the  sparkling  crown  of  a  queen  contains.  Tell 
the  maidens  he  was  a  loving  father  over  the  daugh- 
ters of  his  Church.  To  him  was  confided  all  their 
little  troubles,  and  seeking  aid  to  extricate  them 
from  any  difficulties — teaching  them  to  be  happy 
by  drinking  freely  from  the  river  of  pleasure,  whose 
stream  flowed  from  faithfully  discharging  their 
Christian  duties.  If  they  were  poor,  he  encouraged 
them  in  good  works  and  to  be  content  with  their 
lot.  If  rich,  he  demanded  the  education  of  one 
poor  child  from  their  bounteous  store,  and  work  for 
their  mothers  support.  He  encouraged  innocent 
amusements,  and  no  king  ever  walked  prouder  be- 
fore his  subjects,  than  he  did  when  heading  the  pro- 
cession for  May  Day  Queen.  Garlands  and  wreaths 
were  twined  from  choice  flowers  cultivated  by  his 
own  hand,  to  deck  the  maiden's  brow,  and  his  merry 
laugh  over  childhood's  pranks,  as  he  scattered  bon 
bons  and  nuts,  onlv  had  to  be  heard  to  be  remem- 


ANSWER      TO      AN      APPEAL.  25 

bered.  The  spirit  of  genuine  benevolence  reigned 
in  his  heart,  and  with  the  most  studious  attention 
to  all  the  outward  proprieties  and  courtesies  of  life, 
his  daughters  in  the  Church  found  a  safeguard  in 
his  expressions  of  lovTe.  Love  draws  us  nearer  to 
God  and  makes  us  desire  to  be  like  him.  The  fair- 
est and  the  frailest  of  his  school  faded  away.  Though 
every  heart  was  entwined  around  Pattie's  many  ex- 
cellent traits,  her  heart  was  kept  in  harmony  with 
the  highest  reason  and  perfection  of  beauty  by  her 
daily  intercourse  with  her  spiritual  adviser ;  and 
when  that  "  healthy  clime  "  was  gained,  it  had  not 
to  be  taught.  God's  greatest  attribute,  love,  had 
been  cultivated  from  a  pure  heart,  where  meekness 
and  gentleness  were  cultured.  The  delicate  beauty 
bloomed  to  fade  and  die  in  the  spring  time  of  life, 
ere  autumn's  blast  had  seared  the  life  within. 

With  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit  she  sought  the 
u  healthier  clime,"  and  with  her  mellow  voice  she 
is  praising  God  on  harps  melodious  sound  for  send- 
ing her  the  good  Parish  Priest  that  guided  her  soul 
to  heaven.  And  she  is  not  all.  Mother  and  sisters 
have  joined  her  songs  of  praise  to  the  Triune  God 
who  died  with  praises  on  their  lips  as  messages 
were  given  for  Mr.  F.  for  his  Godly  counsel. 

The  poor,  the  despised,  the  Avretched,  will  echo 


2G  ANSWER      TO      AN      APPEAL. 

his  praise.  The  poor  domestic  will  join  the  multi- 
tude that  have  goue  before  in  thanks  to  God  for  his 
miustration  ;  and  when  the  lamp  of  his  life  is  gone 
out,  many  tears  will  course  down  the  rugged  cheek 
for  him  who  knew  his  duty,  and  faithfully  dis- 
charged it. 

While  with  reverent  and  religious  affection  I 
write  truths  of  him  who  labored  for  my  advance- 
ment in  spiritual  life,  and  watched  Over  my  sons 
with  religious  care,  the  trembling  hand  and  tearful 
eye,  bows  my  head  as  if  pressed  with  a  crushing 
burden  ;  and  should  I  be  called  hence  ere  his  eye 
falls  upon  these  leaves,  I  here  say,  I,  too,  hope  to 
praise  God  in  heaven  for  his  spiritual  care,  and 
drawing  me  more  closely  to  Him,  looking  heaven- 
ward to  the  Star  of  Bethlehem  for  hope  and  conso- 
lation through  the  various  troubles  of  life. 

The  sports  of  my  children  playing  in  the  sun- 
shine, with  quiet  pleasures  of  home ;  the  flowers  I 
loved  so  well,  that  adorned  my  yard ;  the  sad  chamber 
of  the  sick  and  suffering ;  the  errands  of  mercy  and 
comfort  to  the  afflicted  ;  the  bride  in  her  youth  and 
beauty :  the  widow  in  her  desolation  and  sorrow, 
and  the  last  benediction  over  the  shrouded  form 
of  husband  and  children,  friend  and  neighbor,  are 
associated  with  this  man  of  God,  our  Parish  Priest. 


AK'STVER      TO      AN"      APPEAL.  8? 

Thou  spurn  not  the  dictates  of  ;i  grateful  heart, 
whose  coffers  are  not  filled  with  perishing  gold — but 
mind  filled  with  heavenly  treasures.,  draws  from  its 
fountain  truths  long  hidden — and  cast  over  its  im- 
perfections a  veil  of  Charity,  for  so  weakly  portray- 
ing an  example  for  you  to  imitate,  as  she  offers 

"THE  WIDOW'S  MITE." 


UNIVERSITY  OF  N.C.  AT  CHAPEL  HILL 


00034014352 

FOR  USE  ONLY  IN 
THE  NORTH  CAROLINA  COLLECTION 


THIS; 
0NTHE(- 


